If your windows are in need of repair, you must work carefully. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from glass shattering.
A quick solution to a damaged window is to place a plastic covering over the crack. This will prevent rain, snow and insects from entering the home.
Cracked Glass
Glass that is cracked not only make your home look less appealing, but it can let drafts and other elements to enter the house. It doesn't matter if the cracks result from an impact, like soccer or baseball or a stress like a sudden temperature change, but it is essential to have them repaired as quickly as you can to prevent further damage and keep your windows working correctly.
Use Web Site to cover the cracks in your window, even if it's not broken. It's a cheap and simple solution that provides protection from water, dust, bugs and other debris and keep out the elements.
However, if the crack is extensive or appears to be getting worse, it's recommended to seek out a professional. A professional glazier can identify the cause of a crack and recommend the best repair procedure.
Impact cracks are the most common window breakage. They typically occur when a hard object hits your window with enough force that it breaks. These cracks are typically followed by a starburst pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that could be dangerous if they fall loose. This crack can compromise the gas that is between the panes of your double-pane windows and decrease its energy efficiency.
Stress cracks are another kind of crack that develops due to extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window and can eventually grow into full-blown cracks.
A pressure crack is a much more serious crack but it is still able to be fixed. It is a curvy, curve that extends across the window on one or more sides. It is caused by low or high pressure, which can cause the glass to expand or contract.
If you're willing to go a step beyond nail polish and tape, there are alternatives to fix cracks in your window glass. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will offer a bit more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you'd rather DIY epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and prevent further damage. It will make your window appear as if it never had any cracks at any point.
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp area under your window or that the wood around it is soft or rotting it could be the time to fix your windows. Mildew and mold thrive in humid conditions and can cause a number of problems within your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging drywall, and even worsen allergies. Unchecked, they may also cause structural damage to your house.
It is recommended to contact a professional if the water is visible or coming from outside. Leaking windows are among the main causes of mold and structural damage and should not be left untreated.
In many cases caulking is a great option to stop leaks. Before applying the new caulking, it's necessary clean the area and get rid of any caulking that is in place.
Examine the weepholes on the frame for any debris. They are designed to drain off excess rainwater, however they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris as time passes.
Examine the seal between your double-paned window and the frame made of metal. This will help to maintain a gas barrier between the panes, making windows more energy efficient. As time passes, the seal can wear out and allow water to enter your home.
The water stains on the ceiling and walls are another indicator of the presence of a leak. These are caused when the wall is soaked with moisture which weakens the fibers and leads to discoloration. Peeling paint is another sign of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and removing it away from the wall.
Faux Muntins Mullions
In the past muntins (or glazing bars, as they are known in the UK) were a way to separate and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. After WWII larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available. Today, they're only utilized as a decorative element in some older homes.
Sometimes just a small or a single group of these wooden supports can be damaged by wind or rain leaving cracks in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or rotting parts.
Clean the affected areas using a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that doesn't leave a traces. Take off any rotting or loose pieces and cut the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins using an exact knife. After trimming the intersections using painter's masking tape, you can use the tape to tape off the lower portion of the window frame. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the first stroke. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the tape and applying a second coat.
If the issue is more severe such as an hourglass-shaped crack in middle of the window, it's recommended to replace the sash. In such cases, you'll need to look for a replacement that matches the existing window in both style and size.
To save money, you can also install an attached grid window. These windows have a full pane of glass with muntins that are glued to the surface which gives them a split look. These windows aren't as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows.
If you're looking for a simple method to modernize your windows, consider installing an additional drip cap to prevent water from leaking around the window frame. Most home centers sell these drip caps made of aluminum for around $20. They are much simpler to install than replacement windows sashes, and offer the same functionality as a real mullion or muntin.
Broken Sashes Frames
A broken window sash should be a sign that you must call for help. A sash that is broken left unchecked can cause water leaks, wood decay and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've damaged your sash, replace it as soon as possible to ensure that the window is properly sealed.
Often, the issue is caused by worn out or poorly installed the sash cords. It is easy to replace these cords on the majority of double-hung window models. To begin, you'll need to take off the tabs of metal that secure the sash. To do this push up on one side (it does not matter which side) of the sash and then pull it towards the other side to remove it from the window frame. To reach the cords for the sash, you'll have to remove the strip of separation that separates the sash.
It's important that you compare the metal tabs of the old sash with the new one. If they're not the same, it will be difficult to place the new sash into its proper place and could affect the way that the sash functions. This can be easily fixed by putting the tabs in their proper locations on your new window.
In addition to the sashes, you'll also have to examine your window frame for any problems or decay. It's a good idea perform this inspection regularly since wood shrinks and becomes less durable as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. If you notice any obvious damage, it should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent an even bigger issue from arising.
If your window frames have begun to deteriorate, you can treat them with a homemade preserver made from half mineral spirits and boiled in linseed. After window repair has dried, you are able to finish your frames with the finest latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also protect your window from the elements.
